Znora shows how it’s done; Tucson trio take first at Battle of the Bands

SAFFORD — After finishing second at last year’s Battle of the Bands, the members of Znora knew they’d have to work hard for a chance at first place in 2024.

“We put in the hours of practice and played as many shows as we could,” said lead guitarist and singer Adrian Negrete.

“Since that time last year, we probably had almost 100 shows,” said drummer Joshua Montano.

The work paid off and judges selected Znora, of Tucson, as the first place band at the 19th annual Battle of the Bands at the Graham County Fairgrounds on Saturday.

“A lot of people were great tonight,” bassist Johnathon Rhodey said. “A lot of great voices and guitarists, bassists and drummers; it’s about the package deal.”

Znora Band joins the judges on stage to receive their first-place plaque and $2,000 check for winning the 2024 Battle of the Bands Saturday. Pictured are, from left, judges Darryn Kamae and Adam Crohn; Double R Communications owner and MC Reed Richins; judge Chris Murphy; and Znora Band members Johnathon Rhodey, Joshua Montano and Adrian Negrete.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

The band received $2,000 for the win, which they said will help offset costs as they travel to New York City for a showcase event. Meanwhile, the band keeps playing, with a show in Phoenix on Monday, at the Union Public House in Tucson on Wednesday, at 191 Toole in Tucson on July 26 and the Rialto Theater in Tucson on Aug. 23.

Second place at this year’s Battle of the Bands was Wind Below, of phoenix. Pictured are, from left, Michael Kuever on guitar, Kay Kuever on vocals and Izzi Rodrigues on bass. Not pictured is drummer Randall Smid.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Second place and a $500 gift certificate to Richard’s Music went to Wind Below, of Phoenix, and local band Heat Stroke took third place and a $300 Richard’s Music gift certificate.

Local three-piece band Heat Stroke was named third by the judges at this year’s Battle of the Bands. Pictured are, from left, Bobby Merino on guitar, Tom Aranda on drums and Vincent Merino on bass.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Individual performers were also recognized by the judges. The Gila Valley’s Zaylie Windsor was named the best vocalist and she won for best specialty instrument for her work on the keyboards.

Zaylie Windsor captured two individual prizes at the Battle of the Bands – winning best vocalist and best specialty instrument for her playing of the keyboards.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

The band Keen Suke had a pair of winners, with Keenan Suke himself winning for best guitarist and Anthony Bragg Jr. named best drummer.

Two members of the Keenan Suke Band were honored for their performances at Saturday’s Battle of the Bands. Keenan Suke, left, was named best guitarist, and Anthony Bragg Jr. was named best drummer.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

And Heat Stroke’s Vincent Merino was named best bassist. Each individual title came with a plaque and a $100 Richard’s Music gift certificate.

Vincent Merino, of Heat Stroke, was named best bassist at this year’s Battle of the Bands.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Judges for this year’s Battle of the Bands were Adam Crohn, Darryn Kamae and Chris Murphy.

The Nickel Picnic also took place at the fairgrounds, with 5-cent hot dogs and cold Budweiser and Pepsi products for sale to help support Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services (SEACUS), which operates the senior centers and Meals on Wheels programs in Graham and Greenlee counties.

Battle of the Bands is sponsored by Richard’s Music; III Counties Distributing/Bud Light; Freeport-McMoRan; Sparklight; Mack’s Napa Auto Parts; Kempton Chevrolet; Trophies N’ Tees; Audio Visions; the Southern Arizona Film, Tourism and Sports Authority; Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Safford; Valley Vision; and the Double R Communications family of radio stations, Kat Kountry 94.5 FM, Sunny 102.3 FM and KATO 1230 AM.

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